I went to my surgery consult today completely invested in bypass. Met with the surgeon and he was surprised. Then after discussing my role in my grandchildren's lives (Im raising them)he suggested I consider the sleeve because it's. Safer.

I'm 5'3" 350 lbs and in his words startling good health considering my weight.

In THE end he says the decision is mine.

What do I do?

Actually intrinsic factor made in the stomach is needed to absorb B12. The sleeve can cause deficiencies in B12 which isn't usually an issue until about 2 years out, so taking B12 is important. Also long term complications are malabsorption of calcium and phosphate as well which can lead to osteoporosis. I can't remember exactly how but the sleeve absolutely does cause malabsorption and it's important to take vitamins with all bariatric surgeries.

Actually intrinsic factor made in the stomach is needed to absorb B12. The sleeve can cause deficiencies in B12 which isn't usually an issue until about 2 years out, so taking B12 is important. Also long term complications are malabsorption of calcium and phosphate as well which can lead to osteoporosis. I can't remember exactly how but the sleeve absolutely does cause malabsorption and it's important to take Vitamins with all bariatric surgeries.

It decreases but doesn't disappear

Here is an interesting article to see what a sleeve does:

http://www.thinnertimesforum.com/topic/76607-current-overview-of-vertical-sleeve-gastrectomy/

Malabsorption means you can't absorb but being deficient is where things get complicated. And deficiency occurs with all WLS but it's a lot more with RNY. It's not about which one is better but what works best for you. Sleeve has great results but not a lot of data since it's new.

You have to go with what works best for you! Make sure you research and get the right data cause that's important to have before making the decision.

In my case sleeve was the first choice but my surgeon well known at NYU doc said go for RNY and I wanted to make sure I used my insurance for all cause I knew in the long run I might not have it and didn't want to go through a second surgery or wait it out again. For me this has worked and I am happy.